Mick Shanahan

The late Michael Shanahan (‘Mick’) established Shanahans in New Lynn in 1956. Shanahans was the first law firm in New Lynn and was originally located on Totara Avenue. The firm moved to its current premises in Hugh Brown Drive in the early 1970s.

Mick Shanahan (who died in 2004 and was succeeded by one of our current directors, Mary Anne Shanahan), wrote the following reflection of his time in practice:

“It has been interesting in the course of the practice to help clients to move into their first home with a loan and then 30 years later to carry out the discharge of that mortgage, in a suburban location where there has been very considerable stability so far as movement of the local people is concerned. A great number of very close friendships have been formed with people who came to me as clients and the experience overall has been a most rewarding one, both in fulfilment of personal ambition and personal acquaintance.”

Mick Shanahan was a well-known and respected personality in Waitakere. He was a life member of the Karekare Surf Club, New Lynn Rotary, and the New Lynn Returned Services Association. Mick represented West Auckland on the Auckland Harbour Board in the 1980s and was elected Chairman of the Board for a number of his years. His contribution to the community was rewarded in 2002 with an OBE. Click here to read our booklet on Mick’s backstory, including his service in the RNZAF, starting a new practice in New Lynn, achievements in the West Auckland community, and meeting the Queen and Prince Charles!

Mick’s daughter, Mary Anne Shanahan, joined the firm in 1981, becoming a partner in 1988. Following Mick’s death in December 2004, Mary Anne took over the practice. Mary Anne ran the business of Shanahans as a sole practitioner until April 2013 when Shanahans Law Limited was incorporated and Frances Edmonds joined her as a Director of the company which continues to trade as Shanahans Law.